Nashville, Tenn. — Friends and colleagues of Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams reacted yesterday (9/8) following the news of his passing:
“I was saddened to hear of Don Williams’ passing today. His simple music, gentle voice, and beautiful songs will live on forever. Rest In Peace Gentle Giant.”
-Ricky Skaggs
“Every time, repeat, every time we did a show with ‘The Quiet Crooner’ Don Williams, I stood in the wings and listened to his show. He was not just a GREAT singer, he was a song stylist and true artist. And, most importantly, he was a very nice man.”
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-Larry Gatlin
“Don Williams was a true balladeer and he will be greatly missed.”
-Ray Stevens
“One of my favorite voices ever. Period. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times. Go see these national treasures while you can. We don’t get to keep them forever. God, I loved Don Williams. So sad.”
-Pam Tillis
“The world has lost one of the smoothest voices in the history of country music. May the Gentle Giant Rest in Peace.”
-Doug Gray, The Marshall Tucker Band
“It’s a painstakingly sad day when the world loses a voice like Don Williams. Lifting up in prayer the family, friends, team members, band and fans of the Gentle Giant.”
-John Berry
“Don Williams… what a voice. He was most certainly one of the biggest influences on my songwriting. He was the Gentle Giant and a Country Giant.”
-Aaron Tippin
“Talk about legends? His music was pure. We will miss Don Williams doing more pure music. God Bless him.”
-Sammy Kershaw
“Good Ole Boys like Don Williams are few and far between these days. He will be missed.”
-Halfway to Hazard
“To me, Don Williams was the velvet country crooner of our day. He will truly be missed by thousands who are, as I am, fans of his incredible talent. Rest in Peace!”
-Marty Raybon, Shenandoah
“It’s a sad day in country music, as we mourn the loss of Don Williams, ‘The Gentle Giant’ whose unique songwriting and easy-going singing style was loved by millions around the world and revered by Nashville’s music industry. All of us in Restless Heart send our deepest regrets to Don’s family and friends. We’ve lost one of the truly great ones.”
-Dave Innis, Restless Heart
“A sad day for all of our music community. One of the smoothest voices ever and most respected gentlemen in our business left us today. Prayers go out to the Don Williams family and friends.”
-Larry Stewart, Restless Heart
“What can you say about Don Williams? One of the most iconic voices of all time. The entire music community will suffer from his passing.”
-Paul Gregg, Restless Heart